Living Above a "Party Spirit"
Living Above a "Party Spirit"
By, "party spirit," I mean a spirit that is so committed to one side of an organization or cause, that a person is both identified by it, and is indifferent (or blind) to the other side(s) (of these organizations or causes).
The more important one's outward position or call is in the world, the more critical it is *not* to be swept into and up in a "party spirit." In this regard, I would address, probably more than anyone else, the truly-called gospel ministers of Christ's true, humble, and still imperfect church.
First of all, the avoidance of a "party spirit" does *not* mean that one does not have strong and firmly-held beliefs and convictions. In fact, I will argue that only those who *do* have true, strong, and firmly-held convictions and beliefs are *capable* of *avoiding* a "party spirit." The reason for this, is because the Objects of our faith and belief convictions are *so* elevated *over* the world and the things in the world, that a "party spirit" becomes easily perceived by us as way "below" us. . . . On the other hand, those who fall into a "party spirit" do so, because they are not committed (well enough) to the highest and most noble Beings and/or causes. (Those "Beings," of course, are the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; and the great "causes" are the gospel of grace, and the redeemed church of elect souls.) . . .
So, the following is what often occurs in the fallen world. . . . Sinners get together, and they are bonded by some unifying force, (so far/so good). But, because we *are* still sinners, inevitable fissures and separations begin to appear in our midst. Then, the big mistake typically happens: people think that they have to make the decision to be on one side of the issue, or the other. And therefore, like kids on a playground, someone draws the proverbial "line in the sand"; and some people line up on one side, and the others on the other side. Now, both sides are facing each other in an adversarial stance. The devil warms his hands at this sight, and he forces a devious smile onto his sullen and tortured face when he beholds this scenario.
Let us assume, for the sake of argument, that the two sides are now firmly "established"; and that one must live with this regrettable "reality," (at least for now). Now, what are we to do? My advice, at this point, is that we do not "play" on that "playground." Instead, we take a seat (with the other parents) on the park bench; and determine, by God's grace (alone), that we will self-consciously refuse to be adamantly associated with one side, or the other. We will seek to view *all* the members (of the organization) in the *same* light; and endeavor, by grace, to consider each one of them as creatures made in the image of God (with regard to ordinary sinners of the world), or sinners re-created into the image of Jesus (with regard to faithful members of Christ's church). If anything, we should try to bend "closer in to," and listen more carefully to those whom we would suspect might not hold the positions and views (that we hold). Each individual; and each individual case, then, is taken on an individual basis--with those people or cases not being automatically "tied" to preconceived presuppositions.
Part of the glory of this approach--besides the fact that it is in accord with all the gospel principles found in the Word of God--is that we are not *bound* to easy, knee-jerk reactions to people (and issues), as we would be if we were slaves to a "party spirit." Also, this kind of attitude, over time, will eventually prevail for the glory of Christ; and it will make "party spirit-ism" look like child's play.
It may come as a surprise to some, that I am not condemning memberships in any number of "party" affiliations in the world--and this would include political parties and church denominations. But, there is a huge difference between being a formal member of a denomination or a political party, and being a slave to factions found within them, or even to the organizations themselves.
Convictions are one thing/idolatry is quite another. People who are insecure and/or anxious about the things they (think) they believe in, are easy prey to a "party spirit"--and the reason, is because, they fear losing their "idols," whatever they may be. Only those who, by grace alone, are firmly rooted in and secure in their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ are capable, (again, by grace alone), of living above a "party spirit."
These are not "easy" issues, and everybody knows that--but nothing is beyond the power of our great and sovereign Triune God. We should not settle for anything less than the best; and there is no way we can do this unless our hearts are truly free in Jesus Christ.
If our consciences will not allow us to be formally-bound with other people whose views we find absolutely reprehensible, then the proper thing for us to do, is to remove ourselves from those associations. If it is a matter of fighting for a great cause, or for the sheep of Christ who find themselves stuck in a church denomination (for instance) that is abandoning the cardinal tenets of the Christian faith--like J. Gresham Machen had to do a hundred years ago--then, we have to "fight the good fight." But even then, a "party spirit" does not have to prevail. Our secure Christ-loving minds may trust our sovereign God, and we may rest in His goodness, and practice His gospel virtues--even in the most strenuous environments, and with the most difficult people.
Personally, I am all for a "party spirit"--but the kinds of parties I have in mind are more attended with family, friends, food, drinks, love, and laughter, than anything else.
Let us live by the water-tight words of our Lord Jesus, taken from Matt. 10:37-38, which makes a "party spirit" a non-starter. They say this: "Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me," (ESV).
Rev. Mark J. Henninger
Treatise #38
14 November 2025
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